Thursday, July 15, 2010

Making Hypertufa Pots

*Today I am sharing my guest post that was posted last week over at Remodelaholic.

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I made these hypertufa pots after seeing this article in the March 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine. My Mom and I made hypertufa pots a few years ago using a similar method. They were larger than these and not quite as cool! When I saw this article I knew I had to try again. It's actually a pretty easy project.

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Supplies you will need:

- Various containers. You can use almost anything but I collected plastic and cardboard containers. I also used metal but it didn't work for me (more on that later!).

The perlite, portland cement, and peat moss are all readily available at Home Depot or Lowes. Make sure that you use real portland cement and not a quick-set material. Also, you want to use peat moss that is finely ground and not in large pieces.

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In order to make your mold you will need to nest two containers together. Both should have sides that are straight or taper out and make sure that there is a gap of at least 3/4 between them.

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Mix together equal parts perlite, peat moss and portland cement in a large container. The amount you use of each does not matter as long as they are equal parts. I used 2 quarts of each. A wheelbarrow would be great to use for mixing, but I don't have one so I used an old rubbermaid container.

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Make sure you wear gloves!

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Slowly begin to add water and mix until mixture is the consistency of cottage cheese.

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Coat containers with mold release spray. Pour mixture into the outer mold until it is an inch thick. Add the inner container and start adding mixture around all the sides. You can fill the inner mold with sand or water to steady it. Pack mixture in tightly.

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This is what my containers looked like after I had added the mixture.

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Cover the containers with plastic. After 24 hours remove the inner mold. Replace plastic. After 36 hours remove outer mold. This is where I had a little trouble. I was able to easily remove the plastic and cardboard containers. But the one metal container I used would not come off. I guess I should have followed directions and used mold release spray. Stick with cardboard and plastic and you won't have any trouble!

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After removing molds, you can drill holes using a masonry bit in the bottom of the container for drainage. Also, use a planer file or sand paper to smooth out any rough edges.

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Recover containers with plastic and let sit for several weeks in order to finish curing.

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Finally, your pots will be finished!

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Aren't they cool?

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I planted with succulents and placed the pots in my screen porch.

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I am just thrilled with these little pots. I love how they turned out!

92 comments:

Your pots are so cute and I love the sizes and shapes! I used to make these to sell years ago and they are still around. Martha Stewart featured them a long time ago and I made them then. Aren't they great? And when they are in a moist environment, moss grows and they turn beautiful shades of green.

These are so cute and eminently do-able. Love the way they came out! What was the total cost on your pots, did you keep track? My daughter made some BIG ones a few years back for a nursery. Gotta try this smaller scale project, thanks!

I saw you at FJI! Applause! This is a great project that seems doable! Once I made a simple bird bath out of Quik-crete and was so proud! Now this, I would really be proud of-as shouls you should be!~Nancy

I did a post on hypertufu pots quite some time ago because it is a project I really want to do - well, I still have not made them and here's another terrific post with just the right size for an attempt for me to create them! Stop by sometime and go back to my older posts if you feel like it and look up mine for the fun of it. Martha know doesn't she! Thanks for inspiring hope, Jennifer jennsthreegraces

These are terrific! My Fella and I are just finishing the hardscaping of our backyard... that means that next spring I'll be decorating, and these pots would be great! I'm definitely going to bookmark your post :-)Victoria

I made five yesterday and had a heck of a time taking out the inner containers today. I think I've ruined them as now there is a small crack in at least four of the pots. Did you have cracks? Did they heal? I used glass on the inside and I think since there is no flexibility in the container the wiggle room comes from the cement. I'll know in a few days if they are going to work out. I think I'll have to go buy some different products so I can have the right containers!

I was just wondering if covering these containers with plastic means just a tarp or if you actually need to completely cover them with cling wrap. I think these are super neat and I can't wait to try them out!

I had never heard of hypertufa until this past weekend. My sister-in-law is having a big party and wants to put some of these pots on her tables. I actually think I can make them now- not exactly crafty with my hands! Thanks for putting it out there!Celia

Hi Alissa... absolutely stunning. I grow herbs as part of my business and have always loved real terracotta pots made with a rough grog. However, I stay in a farming district on the West Coast of South Africa and good pots are hard to come by. I decided to try making a sampler cement pot and finished it with a natural paint effect to give the idea of a clay pot. I am really chuffed with my result. I then stumbled on your blog while looking for hypertufa recipes and I really love the effect you achieved. Thanks for the inspiration. Regards, John in South Africa

In an effort to use more sustainable materials, however, I was wondering if it would be possible to use coir fiber (coconut husk fiber) instead of the peat? I know it's a good substitute in a lot of other applications because of its similar properties but I wasn't sure if you (or anyone you know) has tried it in this mix? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Great tutorial! I love making hypertufa so much i bought an adorable little red cement mixer from harbor freight. Had my first family hypertufa party this weekend and used your pictures to show everyone the technique. Thanks for the post!

Thank you so , VERY MUCH FOR THE DEMOSTRATION , after reading the instructions by Martha I couldn't understand or picture it , until I saw your demonstration , is so easy, what a great idea. just lovely.

Hi Alissa, found you on Pinterest. Great idea and the containers look good. How do they cope with winter frosts and snow? Does the Perlite and peat give similar strength to making normal cement with sand?

Hi Steve - I have made larger ones and left them outside in Michigan Winters without too much problem. If you are really worried though, I'd bring them in a garage for the winter. I think it's pretty hit or miss. As far as what the Perlite does compared to sand, I'm not sure! I think it may add strength as well as add to the lightweight component of the Hypertufa. Hope that makes sense! - Alissa

Hi - these are great, but could I encourage you to find an alternative to actual peat as this is not a sustainable product, as it irreversibly destroys the rare habitat from which it comes - its definitely rare in the UK anyway. Thanks

Thank you for sharing your planter recipe. I would like to make them a bit bigger to put on my outdoor patio. I live in NY, Do you think these planters will crack in the winter if left outside? I will be also trying some of your food recipes. Thank you again and have a wonderful and safe summer!!

these planters look great. I cant wait to make them with the baby. she loves doing things with her hands. and she loves plants. so, there we go, a perfect project for the 2 of us. wish us luck!! thank u ramona

Avoid the hole drilling.I cut a wine cork to 1" and placed it in the bottom. Packed the mixture around as instructed.When it was completely cured, I took a wood stick and poked it out. No need for a bit, drill motor etc.

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